Henwell doesn’t continue talking with Monica and turns to leave.

  After their brief exchange, Henwell understands that this woman is surrounded by a heap of trouble.

  Henwell isn’t afraid of trouble; in fact, she could be a useful pawn.

  But this pawn is too sensitive, likely to cause many uncontrolble outcomes.

  Kleios asks Henwell in sign nguage, “Sir, what did that woman want us to do just now?”

  Henwell gnces at him. “Ranger, here’s a piece of advice: don’t be too curious. Often, knowing too much only brings big trouble. And that woman is right in the middle of a massive mess. I don’t want to get involved, so I’m not curious.”

  Kleios lowers his head, signaling he understands Henwell’s warning.

  After Henwell clearly refuses, Monica doesn’t persist.

  She’s a smart woman. Since she knows who Henwell is, she understands his power.

  She wants to use him but doesn’t have the capability yet.

  And she can’t negotiate with Henwell on equal footing. Her status is noble, no doubt.

  But Henwell’s status is far beyond mere nobility. The hundred thousand elite warriors of Peace Haven give Henwell the power to ignore many demands.

  After wandering around a bit longer, Henwell suddenly says, “Let’s go greet the host of this pce.”

  This is Baron Hornes’s banquet. The current Baron Hornes is named Pajaje.

  He’s a man in his early forties, straightforward and skilled in combat.

  In just two years since inheriting the title, he’s managed his nds quite well.

  At this moment, Baron Pajaje is chatting with guests, ughing heartily from time to time.

  When he shares a risqué joke, it sparks a burst of ughter around him.

  As the host, Pajaje ughs along, but suddenly his voice changes, like a duck with its throat squeezed.

  The strange sound draws the attention of those nearby.

  Pajaje coughs for a moment, expining he just ughed too hard.

  At that moment, Henwell walks over. “You all seem so cheerful, what’s going on?”

  The crowd looks at him curiously, not knowing who this sudden speaker is.

  To them, a stranger barging into their circle like this feels quite rude.

  But with the Holy Lake Knight’s centurion present, no one dares to say anything.

  One of the lords speaks up. “We were just talking about the st war. Our Baron Pajaje went to support the Ika Kingdom back then. He served in the Ika border legion and took part in the war between Ika and Vorry. Our baron showed great bravery, saving many Ika soldiers.”

  Another knight lord chimes in, “With Baron Pajaje’s valor, I doubt he’d be outmatched by that so-called lord of Blood Hill!”

  Others join in the banter. “You’re wrong! If Baron Pajaje met the lord of Blood Hill, he might even capture him alive!”

  “Exactly! With Baron Pajaje’s skill, defeating that young upstart would be no problem.”

  “I say it’s just that the Ika Kingdom is weak. They lost to Vorry and bme the lord of Blood Hill, calling him a Grand Knight!”

  “Ridiculous! What kind of genius is that lord of Blood Hill? Our Hornbay knight Pawari is the real genius!”

  ...

  As the crowd grows more boastful, the Holy Lake Knight’s centurion’s face turns grim.

  He gnces nervously at Henwell, who listens with interest, then steps back a few paces to avoid getting caught in any trouble.

  Baron Pajaje looks equally uneasy, sweat beading on his forehead.

  He forces a smile. “Gentlemen, don’t be too harsh. The lord of Blood Hill is indeed a hero. He’s widely recognized as the strongest among the young generation on the continent. Whether in personal strength or managing his nds, he’s top-tier.”

  A voice teases, “Baron, don’t be modest. Everyone sees your talents clearly. It’s just that Henwell’s been lucky.”

  “Yeah! He’s offended many and still lives because this is a special time. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have sted this long.”

  “I doubt he’ll st much longer. The Vorry Kingdom won’t tolerate him, and Ika and Ogiro have had enough of his provocations. Once these nations regroup, he’ll be their first target. His downfall and death are only matters of time.”

  The Holy Lake Knight’s centurion can’t stand it any longer. How dare they snder such a famous warlord right in front of him?

  It’s terrifying!

  The centurion knows full well how fierce Henwell is, and that thousands have died by his hand.

  If Henwell gets angry and kills someone, it’s justified and would make sense back in Holy Lake City.

  In the end, the one punished would probably be the centurion himself.

  Thinking this, the centurion coldly warns, “Don’t recklessly discuss state affairs, and don’t snder the nobles of neighboring countries.”

  Baron Pajaje steps forward. “We are all nobles here. The lord of Blood Hill is noble too. For him to have come this far, he must be extraordinary. Insulting him is like insulting our entire noble css. Such talk, if spread, is disgraceful.”

  Seeing the two getting angry, the crowd quickly drops the subject.

  To prevent any more trouble, the centurion disperses the people nearby.

  Baron Pajaje wants to leave as well but is called back by the centurion.

  Straightforwardly, he says, “Baron, this is the lord of Blood Hill. Please maintain your decorum. This is not just about our noble pride but also concerns the etiquette of our duchy. Don’t be so reckless again.”

  Pajaje hurriedly bows. “Apologies, Lord Henwell. We were all speaking under the influence of wine. Please don’t take it to heart. They’re from small pces, unaccustomed to the world, unaware of your reputation. Please forgive their ignorance. I promise this won’t happen again. Please enjoy your meal; I won’t disturb you further.”

  Henwell calls out as Pajaje prepares to leave. “No worries, it’s all in jest. I don’t hold grudges. Your castle looks historic. Baron, why not give me a tour?”

  “Uh... I’m a bit...”

  The centurion interrupts, “Enough with the trouble. Baron, just take the lord of Blood Hill around.”

  After a while, Pajaje leads Henwell on a tour of the castle.

  Pajaje says little, giving just a cursory introduction.

  When they reach the balcony on the fourth floor, Henwell sighs softly. “Sigh~ You’re really not welcoming me, huh? After all, we’ve met before. You’re doing well now, and I’m gd for that. What should I call you? Baron Pajaje? Yorkel? Or... Scar Tiger?”